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Earlier this year, rumours were circulating that Chinese actress Tang Wei (汤唯) may be expecting another baby with husband Kim Tae Yong (김태용). While the couple haven’t directly confirmed the news, the actress’s recent public appearance has seemingly verified the claims.
On 27th April 2026 (Monday), Tang Wei attended a Burberry event in Beijing, greeting fans and press in a public space. The actress wore a loose black trench coat over a black dress, paired with brown boots. However, the most obvious feature of the star’s appearance is her protruding belly, which stuck out even under her coat.
SOURCES: XIAOHONGSHU (娱乐八卦号外)
For those unaware, Tang Wei previously sparked pregnancy rumours after fans noticed the star repeatedly covering her abdomen while in public. While the simple gesture alone wouldn’t warrant pregnancy allegations, Tang Wei’s interaction with actress Ni Ni added more weight to the rumours as the latter seemed pleasantly shocked when being told something in secret.
A month after the viral moment, Tang Wei still hasn’t addressed the claims. However, many fans took her growing belly as an indirect confirmation that the 46-year-old is expecting her second child. Some even estimated that Tang Wei is around five to six months pregnant, based on the size of her baby bump, which means she’ll likely welcome her newborn later this year.
Many fans and netizens have shared their reaction to the allegations, mostly expressing happiness for Tang Wei and Kim Tae Yong and wishing the actress a smooth pregnancy. However, some also voiced concerns for Tang Wei’s health, noting that her age may pose some health risks for her and her baby.
Nevertheless, Tang Wei appears to be happy and excited to welcome a new addition to her family, even though she hasn’t formally announced the news. In case you’re wondering, the actress-director couple are already parents to a 10-year-old daughter, who sometimes makes an appearance on Tang Wei’s social media page.
We also wish Tang Wei all the best with her pregnancy journey, and we hope everything goes smoothly for the star and her family.
Great news for Eve fans in Malaysia! After a successful debut performance in 2024 for his “Culture” Asia tour, the Japanese singer-songwriter is returning to our shores later this year for a two-day show!
Eve recently announced new dates for his 2026 “廻帰“ Zepp Tour, confirming shows in Kuala Lumpur and Taipei. The singer will perform at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on 8th (Saturday) and 9th August 2026 (Sunday), marking his first back-to-back concert in Malaysia. Ticket prices start from RM398 and will go on sale from 9th May 2026 (Saturday), 11am onwards, via BookMyShow Malaysia.
Having gotten his start in music as a prominent utaite and a Vocaloid producer, Eve is best known for his works on anime soundtracks. His song, “Kaikai Kitan”, was featured as the opening song for “Jujutsu Kaisen” and went triple platinum in Japan. He also recently released the music video for “Wind’s Anthem”, which is the opening song for the anime “Witch Hat Atelier”. Here’s what we know about Eve’s upcoming concert:
Eve “廻帰“ Zepp Tour in Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 8th and 9th August 2026 (Saturday and Sunday)
It’s no surprise that fans are eager for NewJeans’ (뉴진스) return to music, given that the members had to halt activities due to the legal battle against their agency, ADOR. However, recent reports of the group’s comeback sparked major criticism.
Over the weekend, rumours circulated that NewJeans are preparing to make a comeback after listings show ADOR had booked several sessions at a recording studio in Copenhagen, Denmark. According to the list, the recording sessions took place earlier this April, hinting that NewJeans have already entered the production phase for an upcoming comeback.
Local fans also reportedly spotted members Hanni (하니), Haerin (해린) and Hyein (혜인) in Copenhagen, noting they were there with their staff. Some accounts also mentioned filming equipment present on site, fueling comeback rumours. ADOR has since released a statement on the allegations, confirming that NewJeans are preparing to resume their musical activities.
In their statement, the agency said, “The visit to Copenhagen was part of the pre-production process to capture NewJeans’ new musical narrative. The members are currently preparing for activities based on their individual conditions and schedules. We will announce the members’ plans at the best possible time.”
However, the reaction to the news has been mixed, with more fans expressing disappointment. One major issue that many have is regarding Minji’s (민지) status. Many lamented that ADOR has yet to update whether the vocalist will return to the group despite her voicing her intent to resume activities.
SOURCES: INSTAGRAM (@calvinklein)
In the meantime, news outlets recently reported that ADOR’s legal team has withdrawn from the lawsuit against Danielle (다니엘). NewJeans’ agency previously filed a lawsuit against the idol seeking 40 billion won in damages. However, the legal team’s recent move sparked criticism that the agency may be deliberately prolonging the legal deadlock.
All in all, fans also said they likely won’t support the comeback unless all five members are returning. With no official date yet, only time will tell how this comeback plan will pan out.
There’s something quietly bold about how “Bridgerton” star, Simone Ashley, chose to announce her musical pivot: no grand rebrand, no dramatic reinvention. An instagram post “so excited, and so proud to officially share that next year I will be releasing music!” and the promo is just a few captions “patience and communication… here we go on April 10th.” A soft launch into what feels like a very personal side quest. According to the actress (now musician) the body of work is close to her heart and the culmination of three years of work with some incredible collaborators.
For most of us, Ashley’s voice isn’t entirely new. There was a brief, almost theatrical glimpse on “The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland” where she leaned into broadway-lite sensibility alongside Emilia Clarke. But this– a full EP, a body of work– is something else entirely. Especially when early whispers suggested everything from Whitney Houston impressions to indie soul leanings. It raises a fair question: what does Simone Ashley sound like when she’s not playing a role?
Timing-wise, it almost feels implausible. Since breaking through as Kate Sharma, in “Bridgerton”, Ashley has had multiple projects. She’s stepping into the fashion heavy chaos of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, while also joining a glossy ensemble in “Peaked” with Dua Lipa. Somewhere in between all of that she found the time to make a record. Not just record but write.
There’s a clue, though, in the orbit she’s placing herself in. The algorithmic breadcrumb trail of “Simone Ashley Radio” on Spotify, leans into a warm, introspective soul– think Olivia Dean’s conversational ease, the hazy R&B textures of Jenevieve, and even a touch of Sade in its restraint. Titles like “Tragic Romantic,” and “Sign Your Name” suggest a certain softness; diaristic, maybe a little self-mythologising. The Kind of Music that lives in late afternoons rather than big, declarative moments.
Source: Instagram @simoneashley
Working with Frazer T Smith certainly helps frame expectations. His track record leans polished but emotionally legible, pop that wants to feel something. And Ashley seems to meet him halfway, talking openly about writing from heartbreak and watching those emotions shift into something lighter, more nostalgic. Even her fixation on keys, B-flat major, F major, A-flat major, speaks to a deliberate emotional pallet: warm, melancholic, unresolved.
“Songs I Wrote in New York” lands, fittingly, like a mood before it lands as a statement. It’s cohesive to a fault. The opener, “Sublime”, does a convincing job of sketching the sun-drenched, slightly cinematic world she’s aiming for. The kind of New York that exists more in memory than reality. “Tragic Romantic” follows in the same vein: pleasant, easy, undeniably listenable.
But that’s also where the tension sits.
Source: Instagram @simoneashley
Because while Ashley sounds good– her tone is controlled, her delivery soft but assured– the songs blur. They melt into each other in a way that feels intentionally, almost like she’s chasing that languid, endless summer feeling. You could draw parallels to the more subdued corners of Norah Jones, or even the lounge-adjacent calm of Laufey, but without the sharp melodic anchors that make those artists linger. At times, it edges into ambience. Beautiful but fleeting.
And maybe that’s the point– or maybe it’s the growing pains of a first project.
Ashley has described the EP as soul pop, but it occasionally feels like it’s still deciding what that means for her specifically. There are hints of jazz phrasing, touches of R&B, flashes of singer-songwriter intimacy… but not yet defining through-line that feels unmistakably hers. It’s less a fully formed identity and more a collage of influences she hasn’t quite distilled.
Source: Instagam @simoneashley
Still, there’s something promising in that space. This EP reads like a snapshot: a moment of transition rather than arrival. A proof of capability, not yet a declaration of artistry.
Because the truth is: Simone Ashley isn’t lacking in presence. On screen, she’s magnetic. In fashion, she’s precise, controlled, instantly recognisable. That same je ne sais quoi hasn’t fully translated into the music yet– but you can hear glimpses of it, buried in the tone, in the restraint, in the choices she’s making.
But it feels like we’re waiting for her to be spectacular.
And with a full-length album already hinted at, there’s a sense that “Songs I Wrote in New York” might be a grower– not just for listeners but for Ashley herself. The foundations are there. The taste level is there. What’s missing is the risk, the edge, the thing that makes you stop mid-scroll and ask: wait, who’s this?!
She’s proven she can get there in every other lane. Music just might take a little longer.
Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.
Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.
“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”
Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”
“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future,” said Nadhira Halim, Assistant Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes.
More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.
While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”
With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.
For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.
Get ready for a fresh dose of heart, humor, and high school chaos. The cast and crew of “Absolute Value of Romance” lit up Seoul at a recent press conference, offering a first look at a coming-of-age series that’s as witty as it is heartfelt. Led by director Lee Tae-gon and starring Kim Hyang Gi, Cha Hak-yeon, Kim Jae-hyun, Son Jeong-hyuk, and Kim Dong-gyu, the series blends awkward teen moments, playful imagination, and emotional growth into one irresistible story.
The series follows Yeo Eui-ju (Kim Hyang Gi), an ordinary high school student who secretly leads a double life as an aspiring web novelist dreaming of success. Her world is turned upside down when four charming new teachers — Ga Woo-su (Cha Hak-yeon), Noh Da-ju (Kim Jae-hyun), Jung Gi-jeon (Son Jeong-hyuk), and Yoon Dong-ju (Kim Dong-gyu) — arrive at her school and unexpectedly become the inspiration behind her writing.
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
Set against the backdrop of high school life, “Absolute Value of Romance” explores youth, friendship, and growth through the eyes of a young writer navigating both reality and imagination. Premiering 17th April 2026 (Friday) on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories, with new episodes dropping weekly, here’s why “Absolute Value of Romance” deserves a spot on your watchlist:
Kim Hyang Gi Reinvents Herself in a Bold, Comedic Turn
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
Kim Hyang Gi takes on the role of Yeo Eui-ju, an ordinary high school student who enjoys writing during the day while secretly leading a double life at night as an aspiring web novelist. Reflecting on her first impression of the script, she shared, “When I first read it, I was drawn to how comic-book-like yet multidimensional the characters felt. The more I read, the more curious I became about what would happen next.”
Taking on her first comedy role, she said, “I’ve always had great respect for comedians, so I really wanted to do justice to the humor in the script and bring the character to life.” She added with a laugh, “I really wanted to be funny.” Speaking about shaping the character, she continued, “I paid a lot of attention to Eui-ju’s overall look to help define her personality.” Kim Hyang Gi showcases a fresh transformation in the series, bringing a playful and engaging energy to her portrayal of a high school student.
Four Teachers, Four Personalities—and Endless Chemistry
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
The four teachers bring distinct personalities and striking charm to the series, bringing a lively and engaging dynamic to the story. Speaking about his character Ga Woo-su, Cha Hak-yeon shared, “On the surface, he appears cold and structured, but if you look closer, he has a slightly clumsy charm, which makes him fun to watch.” Kim Jae-hyun, who plays Noh Da-ju, described his role as the group’s mood-maker, saying, “He’s the one who brings everyone together and keeps things lively with his unpredictable charm.”
Kim Dong-gyu, who plays Yoon Dong-ju, also shared, “I wanted to carry on the idea of a ‘boyfriend-material teacher’ and make the character feel warm and relatable.” Son Jeong-hyuk plays Jung Gi-jeon, a dependable sports teacher who supports those around him, rounding out the group’s dynamic. Bringing together contrasting personalities and unique energy, the four teachers create a lively dynamic that adds to the series’ youthful and engaging appeal.
A Director Who Knows How to Capture Youth
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
The series is helmed by director Lee Tae-gon, known for his work on acclaimed dramas such as “Hello My Twenties!”, and “True to Love”. Speaking about what drew him to the project, Lee shared, “The script was incredibly engaging. But above all, I was drawn to the sense of youth and fun that the story brings.”
Emphasizing the core theme of the series, he continued, “At its heart, this is a story about growth. High school is a time when that growth is especially significant, and those experiences we go through during that period stay with us and shape who we become. I hope that both the audience and everyone who worked on the series can share in that sense of growth.” Through his direction, “Absolute Value of Romance” captures the essence of youth and growth with warmth and authenticity.
A Cast That Feels Like Your Own School Memories
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
Bringing together youthful energy, nostalgia, and relatable experiences, the student ensemble enhances the series’ vibrant and engaging tone. Sharing what makes “Absolute Value of Romance” stand out, Kim Dong-gyu described the series as “a refreshingly unique concept—something you don’t often see, and incredibly fun.” Son Jeong-hyuk likened its atmosphere to “the lively, bustling energy of a school break time.” Cha Hak-yeon emphasized the strong sense of youth embedded in the story, sharing, “It really made me think of youth—like running to the cafeteria as soon as it’s lunchtime. I believe viewers will be able to feel that same atmosphere, along with the themes of growth.”
Kim Hyang Gi added, “I think the series will feel very healing. It brings back memories of school days, and I hope viewers follow the journey and experience both fun and heartfelt moments along the way.” A vibrant group of students at Murim Girls’ High School, including Kim Sohee as Choi Go-ya and Singaporean actress Gladys Bay as Jenny, further enriches the series’ coming-of-age story.
A Playful “Story Within a Story” Twist
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
One of the most distinctive elements of “Absolute Value of Romance” is its story-within-a-story structure, where the narrative expands beyond the events at school into the world of Yeo Eui-ju’s writing. Within her novel, the teachers transform into entirely different characters, creating a playful contrast and offering a new layer of fun for viewers. Cha Hak-yeon, who takes on a contrasting role as Ju Si-on within the story, shared, “There were no limits to the character. We kept asking, ‘Can we really go this far?’ Because of that, there are many unexpected moments and movements you wouldn’t typically see.”
Kim Jae-hyun added, “To portray a different character, I intentionally made my movements bigger and more expressive.” Kim Hyang Gi also spoke about stepping into the story as its creator, saying, “Whenever I appear in those scenes, I found myself acting more like the math teacher—being a bit strict and even telling them, ‘Why are you saying the line like that?’” Blending reality and imagination, the series delivers a playful and unpredictable viewing experience, where characters shift between worlds in surprising and entertaining ways.
SOURCE: PRIME VIDEO
With its mix of humor, heart, and creative storytelling, “Absolute Value of Romance” captures the messy, magical journey of growing up. Whether it’s your first love, your wild imagination, or the friendships that shape you, this is one series that knows exactly how to hit all the right notes.
“Absolute Value of Romance” is streaming exclusively on Prime Video from 17th April, with new episodes every Friday.
Sometimes, the most dangerous hobbies come with a waiver, billions in insurance policies, and a quiet understanding that things could go horribly wrong at any moment in time. Cave diving. Big wave surfing. Hang gliding. Free solo climbing. These are the kinds of activities that make insurance companies sweat and loved ones beg you to simply pick up knitting instead. But for adrenaline junkies, that’s precisely the appeal.
And then “Apex” comes along and says: What if surviving the climb was actually the easy part? Indeed, Baltasar Kormákur’s latest survival thriller on Netflix tells a story about a woman obsessed with scaling impossible heights, before swerving into something far more heinous as her personal healing journey through nature turns into a nightmare involving a deeply unwell man, a crossbow and a whole lot of running through the Australian wilderness.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron in APEX on Netflix
Kormákur also ropes in two of Netflix’s reliable heavy-hitters for the occasion: Charlize Theron, who has firmly settled into action-star mode thanks to “The Old Guard” franchise duties, and Taron Egerton, fresh off his brave contribution to modern holiday cinema with “Carry-On” — yes, we are calling it a Christmas classic.
The film opens with a sequence that is cold in every possible sense of the word. Sasha (Charlize Theron) and her husband Tommy (Eric Bana) are scaling the infamous Troll Wall in Norway, and Kormákur wastes no time reminding us why he remains so good at making audiences feel physically uncomfortable. Every icy gust of wind feels sharp enough to cut through the screen.
The couple eventually settles in for the night, though “settles” feels like a generous description when they’re essentially suspended off the side of a mountain, like a dangling human birdcage. It’s here that Tommy voices concerns about Sasha’s relentless obsession with reaching the summit. She hears him. She even seems to agree. But Sasha is also deeply stubborn. And perhaps this is her folly. Her impatience sabotages her ability to achieve the very thing she wants most.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
And almost as quickly as it began, the inevitable tragedy strikes. And so, Eric Bana bows out with his paycheck, falling Gollum style… but at least not into a pit of fire, but rather into the icy floor below. That was cold.
So we get a rude cut to five months later when Sasha arrives in Australia, heading toward the remote wilderness of Wandarra National Park in search of… something. Closure, maybe. Punishment, perhaps. Actually, we are generally kept in the dark about this until the end.
But she’s heading somewhere. Alone. Even when a park ranger explicitly warns her not to venture into the area by herself because multiple people have gone missing, Sasha does what typical thriller protagonists are contractually obligated to do, which is to ignore extremely reasonable advice.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron in APEX on Netflix
At a gas station, while purchasing a map of the rough terrain ahead, she meets Ben (Taron Egerton), a seemingly friendly local who appears knowledgeable about the area. He’s charming enough. Helpful enough. Slightly off, maybe, but not enough to immediately trigger alarm bells.
He tells her to head down a path that would lead to a campground. He says that it’s lush, beautiful and worth visiting. And Sasha goes off on her way.
Once Sasha ventures deeper into the Australian wilderness, complete with lush forests and violent rivers below, she runs into Ben again. And because movies like this thrive on bad luck, it turns out his helpful demeanour was little more than bait.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
Surprise! Ben is, in fact, a deranged psychopath armed with a sophisticated crossbow who enjoys hunting human beings for sport.
And just like that, Apex transforms into exactly what its blunt tagline promises. Let’s go hunt. Let’s survive. One person has to play Tom, and the other Jerry.
Remember the movie “Everest” and the anxiety-inducing heights of its narrative. Well, director Kormakur is back at it, weaponising the survival story and his strengths in telling it. He’s been doing lots of these. “Trapped”, “Adrift”, “The Deep”, “Beast”, and it’s no different with “Apex”.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron in APEX on Netflix
And to be fair, the film is undeniably effective on a purely physical level. Sasha barrels through nearly every possible environmental nightmare imaginable. She navigates violent rapids. She runs through dense wilderness terrain. There are climbs through rough terrain. She crawls. She gets dragged through enough natural disasters to make that opening mountain climb feel like a warm-up exercise.
There’s a tactile realism here that deserves genuine praise. “Apex” was shot entirely on location, and you can feel it. Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton are actually sprinting through forests, crashing through rough terrain and battling brutal natural elements instead of standing in front of green screens while visual effects artists do the heavy lifting later.
Theron reportedly performed many of her own stunts and trained extensively to convincingly portray a rock climber, and it shows. She fully commits to the physicality of Sasha in a way that makes every injury feel earned. Whether she’s scaling cliffs or steering herself through white-water chaos, she remains one of the most persuasive action stars working today.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
But while “Apex” does nail the physical challenge of survival, it struggles with the emotional heartbeat of it all, which is to tell a compelling drama and make us care.
The film becomes increasingly repetitive once the chase structure fully settles in. Sasha runs. Ben catches up. He starts being weird – we’ll get to that. Sasha escapes. And then Ben catches up again through increasingly implausible means. Repeat. Rinse in the river.
Eventually, things take an even darker turn when Ben traps Sasha by baiting her with cheese. Well, no… We jest, it’s not cheese, but just signs of life. Yet, it’s quite comical sometimes, because of the way the scene plays out. You know it’s a trap. But the protagonist has to be in danger for the drama to arrive at its destination.
Source: Netflix | Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
So he drags her into a hidden cave that’s his own version of a Hannibal lair. There are hanging corpses. Bones. Trophies from previous victims. The movie desperately wants this reveal to feel horrifying. But like we said, the tension here is sometimes laughable.
That’s largely because Egerton’s performance swings wildly between terrifying and unintentionally hilarious. To be clear, and we mean VERY CLEAR, Taron Egerton is fully committed here. He’s not phoning it in. But the choices that he makes for his character may be a turn-off for some. And we are part of that group.
Ben feels like a mashup of Hannibal Lecter and, yes, James McAvoy in Split. In fact, more to the latter, because at some points, he’s just shirtless, bulking, raging, and bald. He has weird vocal tics, and he makes bizarre bird noises while stalking Sasha. At one point, he lets out screams that sound like an unhinged crow flying directly into your living room. It’s meant to be a jumpscare, but come on, it just comes off as comical. We were just laughing.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
No doubt, Egerton is clearly having the time of his life playing a complete sicko, and there’s something admirable about how fearlessly weird he gets. Your mileage may vary on whether that weirdness works. But for us, it often pushed the movie into accidental camp.
But, to his credit, he’s never boring. And neither is Theron, who does a lot with little dialogue. Sasha is written more as a vessel for survival than a fully realised character, but Theron injects genuine emotional weight into her silences. She communicates grief, rage and exhaustion through her performance and her dire need to survive and complete her ‘unknown’ mission. Sometimes, all she has to do is glance, and you immediately understand everything Sasha has lost from the start of the film.
Ok, but all the performances don’t translate to good storytelling overall. Yes, “Apex” invests heavily in practical production and demanding physical performances. However, strangely, it feels emotionally undercooked. It’s thrilling in bursts, has some cool filmmaking to look at, and is occasionally elevated by two game performers.
Source: Netflix | Taron Egerton in APEX on Netflix
But survival thrillers work best when you’re emotionally invested in whether the protagonist makes it out alive. “Apex” gives us plenty of reasons to admire Sasha’s endurance, but not enough to care about her beyond the obvious desire to see her escape a shrieking crow with a bow.
That’s still enough to make parts of the movie entertaining. Just maybe not memorable.
Maybe, just maybe, we might look back at Taron Egerton shrieking like a possessed bird in the middle of the Australian wilderness.
Source: Netflix | Charlize Theron in APEX on Netflix
“Apex” ultimately feels like a movie that prioritises endurance over emotional resonance. It asks us to marvel at how much punishment Sasha can go through, and maybe it isn’t enough somehow. It forgets that survival stories hit hardest when they reveal something deeper about the people fighting to stay alive. You can’t make us care if we’re not even sure who they are in the first place.
Instead, “Apex” settles for being a middling, occasionally ridiculous cat-and-mouse thriller elevated by committed performances and breathtaking real-world locations. Sometimes that’s enough for audiences, and no doubt, it’ll do the classic Netflix numbers. We just wished it climbed higher.
Maybe Sasha needs a new hobby. Pottery. Maybe pickleball. Or fostering crows as a cruel joke.
“Apex” is currently playing on Netflix.
The Review
"Apex"
2.5Score
“Apex” has cool work on the camera, with on-location visits and commendable performances - subject to taste of course, but its emotional stakes never quite reach the summit that it deserves.
